How-To Guides
Dryer Won’t Heating Up? Here's What to Do Next
AAZparts Team
Updated on May 29, 2025
7 min read
A dryer that doesn’t heat up is one of the most common issues that frustrates many users. However, before rushing to call a technician or considering buying a new machine, there are a few simple steps you can take to check and resolve the problem yourself. In this article, AZParts will guide you through the next steps to effectively and cost-efficiently fix a dryer that’s not heating.
1. Why Isn’t My Dryer Heating Up Properly?
A dryer that fails to produce heat as usual is a common issue that affects the drying process and overall performance. The cause may stem from simple malfunctions or more serious technical problems that require professional attention. Below are the most common reasons and how you can check and address them:
1.1. Clogged lint filter
During the drying process, small fabric fibers often come loose and accumulate in the lint filter. If not cleaned regularly, this filter can become clogged, obstructing the flow of hot air inside the dryer. This not only causes clothes to take longer to dry but also increases the risk of fire due to overheating.
You should clean the lint filter after every use and replace it if it becomes too worn. Currently, AZParts offers a range of lint filters compatible with many dryer models, ensuring optimal filtration and helping to extend the lifespan of your appliance.
Small fabric fibers often come loose and accumulate in the lint filter (Source: Freepik)
1.2. House vent is crushed or obstructed
The vent hose directs hot air from inside the dryer to the outside. If the hose is bent, crushed, or clogged with dust and debris, airflow will be blocked, reducing drying efficiency and causing the dryer to feel like it’s not heating enough.
To fix this, inspect the vent hose regularly and replace it if you notice damage or severe buildup. AZParts offers durable vent hoses made from heat-resistant materials, designed to improve airflow and enhance your dryer’s performance.
1.3. Lack of power
A stable power source is essential for a dryer to heat properly. Loose plugs, damaged cords, or tripped circuit breakers can prevent the heating element from working. Additionally, internal electrical components like coil valves or solenoid valves may fail and disrupt power delivery to the heating unit.
If you’ve checked the external power source and the dryer still isn’t heating, you should inspect or replace internal parts. AZParts supplies high-quality coil valves and solenoid valves that ensure your dryer receives the power it needs for efficient heating.
1.4. Overloaded dryer drum
Overloading the dryer with too many clothes at once prevents hot air from circulating evenly, resulting in poor drying or insufficient heat. Overloading also puts excessive strain on the drive motor and drum rollers, causing slow operation or unusual noises.
The solution is to reduce the load size per cycle and regularly check these parts. If damaged, AZParts provides reliable replacement drive motors and drum rollers compatible with many dryer models to restore smooth operation.
Overloading the dryer limits airflow, leading to uneven drying and reduced heat efficiency (Source: AZParts)
1.5. Clothes too wet after washing
If your washing machine doesn’t spin effectively or the spin cycle is weak, clothes will remain too wet before drying. This makes the dryer work harder and longer, sometimes giving the impression it isn’t heating enough.
Make sure your washing machine properly spins clothes before drying. In some cases, selecting a stronger spin cycle or repairing the washing machine is necessary.
1.6. Faulty heating element
The heating element is the main heat source in the dryer. Over time, it may crack, burn out, or lose efficiency, causing the dryer to run without producing heat and interrupting the drying process.
If you identify a heating element issue, replacing it with a genuine part is recommended. AZParts’ heating elements are trusted for restoring drying efficiency and ensuring safe operation.
The heating element may crack, burn out, or lose efficiency, causing the dryer to run without producing heat (Source: AZParts)
1.7. Blown thermal fuse
Thermal fuses, thermostats, and thermal limiters are safety components that shut off the heating system if the temperature exceeds safe limits. If any of these parts fail, the dryer will stop producing heat to prevent fire hazards.
Thermal fuse failure is common after prolonged use or overheating. AZParts offers a full range of genuine thermal fuses , thermostats, and thermal limiters , making it easy to replace faulty parts and keep your dryer’s heating system stable.
2. What should I do if my dryer is still not heating?
After checking and addressing common issues such as the lint filter, vent hose, power supply, overloaded drum, or a faulty heating element, if your dryer still doesn’t produce heat, you should take the following steps:
Thoroughly inspect electronic components and sensors
Modern dryers are equipped with multiple temperature sensors and safety systems. If any sensor malfunctions, the dryer may automatically disable the heating function to protect the device. In this case, you may need to carefully check the thermostat, thermal fuse, or control board.
Make sure you are using the correct drying mode
Sometimes the dryer appears to run normally but does not generate heat because the wrong mode is selected, for example, the “air dry” mode, which uses only air circulation without heat. Refer to the user manual to confirm you are using the proper heat-based drying program.
Power cycle the machine
Try turning the dryer off completely, unplugging it from the outlet, waiting a few minutes, and then restarting it. This simple reset can sometimes clear temporary control system errors.
Contact a professional technician
If you’ve checked all the basic parts and the dryer still doesn’t heat, there may be a more complex problem involving internal wiring, circuit boards, or control systems. At this point, the safest and most effective solution is to contact the manufacturer’s service center or a professional repair technician.
Contact a professional technician (Source: Freepik)
Provide them with your dryer’s model number and details of the parts you have already inspected. Using genuine replacement parts from AZParts, such as heating elements, thermal fuses, or coil valves, will help ensure your dryer is properly repaired and runs reliably again.
3. Dryer Not Heating Even After Troubleshooting? Call a Technician
If you have already checked all the basic factors such as the lint filter, vent hose, power supply, and heating element but the dryer still does not produce heat, it is likely that the machine is experiencing a serious technical malfunction. In this case, continuing to attempt repairs on your own could be dangerous or cause further damage to the dryer.
It is best to contact a professional technician for an accurate diagnosis and safe repair. They have the necessary experience, equipment, and knowledge to effectively handle issues related to electrical circuits, motors, or the heating system.
It is best to contact a professional technician for an accurate diagnosis and safe repair (Source: AZParts)
A dryer not heating can stem from simple causes like a clogged lint filter or more serious technical problems such as a faulty heating element or a blown thermal fuse. Conducting a thorough step-by-step inspection helps identify the exact cause and ensures an effective fix.
If you are confident in your repair skills, make sure to use quality dryer parts from AZParts to enhance the durability and safety of your appliance. However, if the problem is complex or the cause cannot be determined, do not hesitate to call a professional technician for timely assistance.
Contact information:
8 The Green, Ste A, Dover, Delaware 19901-3618, United States
Dryer
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